2021 La Chapelle d'Ausone Grand Cru, Saint-Emilion

Some sage flower, orange blossom, violet and currant aromas follow through to a medium body, with soft and velvety tannins that show depth and texture. Pure, pretty and supple. Second wine of Ausone. 75% cabernet franc and 25% cabernet sauvignon. Better in a year or two.

94 points jamessuckling.com

Bright violet in color, with ripe and sappy fruit. This is gorgeous, showing less intensity than recent vintages but a delicately-boned wine with hidden power that leans into the vintage, and is proof of how adaptive this terroir is - fresh in hot vintages, but generous in cool ones. Gooseberry, redcurrant, red cherry, raspberry, crushed rocks, and one of the rare 2nd wines that truly delivers in 2021. Philippe Baillarguet cellar master, 100% new oak, harvest October 4 to 6.

92 points janeanson.com

A blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Chapelle d’Ausone is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of swirling to bring forward notes of fresh raspberries, Morello cherries, and cardamom, giving way to hints of iron ore, pencil shavings, crushed rocks, and lavender. The light-bodied palate is wonderfully delicate, with a quiet intensity of red berry and mineral layers, supported by very fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Very pretty! Only about 3,500 bottles were made.

93 points thewineindependent.com

La Chapelle d'Ausone is the esteemed second wine of Château Ausone, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious estates, located in the Saint-Émilion appellation. The 2021 vintage of La Chapelle d'Ausone showcases the estate's commitment to excellence, even in challenging growing seasons.

The 2021 vintage is notable for its unique blend, comprising 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, with no Merlot included—a departure from typical compositions. This decision reflects the estate's adaptability and focus on quality. The grapes are sourced from limestone-rich soils, contributing to the wine's distinctive minerality and structure.

On the nose, the 2021 La Chapelle d'Ausone offers perfumed aromas of potpourri, scented flowers, dried raspberries, and cherries, creating an evocative bouquet. The palate is round and charming, with gorgeously soft tannins that caress the mouth. The wine is delicate and ethereal, floating across the tongue with flavors of gooseberry, redcurrant, red cherry, raspberry, and crushed rocks. It shows less intensity than recent vintages but possesses a delicately-boned structure with hidden power, leaning into the vintage's character.